Building construction and components thereof

ABSTRACT

Building constructions are disclosed in which the framework comprises preformed, reinforced concrete columns, beam modules having angularly disposed beam portions, and intermediate beam members. Means are provided to interconnect the reinforcements of vertically aligned columns through the module supported by one column and in support of another column. The beam portions and the beam members include end plates secured to their reinforcements, the end plates including complemental structure enabling each intermediate beam member to be supported by beam portions prior to the joining of the engaged plates by a weld. The modules and columns provide for the marginal support of wall panels and the beam portions of the modules have marginal shoulders for support of floor structure.

United States Patent 1 3,594,971

[72] Inventor John K. Hughes 3,429,092 2/1969 Perry 52/263 Hunnewell Road, Scarboro, Maine 04074 3,473,273 10/1969 Gunkel 52/285 [21] Appl. No. 836,782 3,495,371 2/1970 Mitchell... 52/236 1 Filed June 26, 1969 3,500,595 3 1970 Bennett 52/236 [45] Patented July 27, 1971 FOREIGN PATENTS 901,968 1944 France 52/236 [54] BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND COMPONENTS THEREOF 16 Claims, 25 Drawing Figs.

52 user 52/648, 52/236, 52 432, 52/585, 52/728 511 1nt.Cl 1304b 1/20, E040 3 20 50 Field ofSearch 52/495,

Primary ExaminerHenry C. Sutherland AtlorneyAbbott Spear ABSTRACT: Building constructions are disclosed in which the framework comprises preformed, reinforced concrete columns, beam modules having angularly disposed beam portions, and intermediate beam members. Means are provided to interconnect the reinforcements of vertically aligned columns through the module supported by one column and in suppdrt of another column. The beam portions and the beam members include end plates secured to their reinforcements, the end plates including complemental structure enabling each intermediate beam member to be supported by beam portions prior to the joining of the engaged plates by a weld. The modules and columns provide for the marginal support of wall panels and the beam portions of the modules have marginal shoulders for support of floor structure.

PATENTEDJUL27I97I 3,594,971

SHEET 2 nr 6 I I 1 111 III INVENTOR JOHN K. HUGHES QM a,

ATTORN Y PATENTED JUL27|971 3,594,971

sums 0F 6 INVENTOR JOHN K. HUGHES ATTORNEY PATENTED JuLznsn SHEET 5 OF 6 FIGZZ INVENTOR JOHN K. HUGHES ATTOR EY PATENIEDJUL21 I971 594,971

sum 60F 5 FIG. 23

INVENTOR JOHN K. HUGHES BY,

ATTORNEY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND COMPONENTS THEREOF The present invention relates to building constructions utilizing preformed reinforced concrete components.

lt has long been recognized that the cost and time required to erect a building is directly related to the operations that must be done on the job. Steel framework, for example, has the advantage that large components can be stockpiled, transported to the building site as needed, and quickly erected and assembled. The use of concrete, by way of contrast, requires the erection of forms, the pouring of the concrete, and the provision of sufficient time for setting.

As a consequence, the use of preformed, reinforced concrete components offers real advantages in building constructions, particularly, but not exclusively, in the construction of framework. Previous proposals have not been satisfacpreformed, reinforced concrete columns, beam modules, and

intermediate beam members. Each column includes a metal plate at its lower end secured to the column reinforcement and each beam module includes a metal plate on its upper surface and angularly disposed beam portions with the free end of each beam portion having a metal end plate, all the beam module plates being connected to the module reinforcement. ln assembly, each beam module is supported by the upper end of one column and supports another column with their metal plates in contact and means interconnect the reinforcements of the columns through the modules that space them vertically, the means including a weld between such contacting plates. The plate at the end of a beam module portion includes a supporting projection engageable by a complemental part of the abutting end plate of the intermediate beam members and the abutting plates of the beam structure are joined by a weld.

Another objective of the invention is to provide beam modules and columns in which the upper surface of each column has a metal plate secured to the column reinforcement and in supporting contact with a metal plate on the undcrsurface of the module and secured to the reinforcement thereof with a weld joining such contacting plates.

Another objective of the invention is to provide beam modules, each having a metal spacer incorporated therein and including the upper and lower plates and providing a vertical passage through the module. In accordance with this objective, each column includes a metal connector protruding from its upper end, connected to the column reinforcement, and shaped and dimensioned to extend through the passage of the beam module with the means interconnecting the column reinforcement also including a weld between the upper end of each spacer and the connector of the subjacent column.

Another objective of the invention is to provide each module with a metal spacer connected to its reinforcement and having a plurality of tubular members each establishing a vertical passage theretbrough. Each column includes a pl urality of connections in the form of rods, each embedded at one end in the upper end of a column and connected to the column reinforcement. There is one rod for each passage and it is dimensioned to extend vertically therethrough with its upper end threaded to receive a nut. The upper plate of the beam module has holes permitting the rods to extend therethrough with the nuts seating against the plate of the beam module to lock the beam module to the column as part of the means interconnecting the reinforcements of the columns.

While the connecting means extending from the upper end ofa column through the module it directly supports provides for the assembly of the module in a predetermined position thereon, another objective of the invention is to provide a shear lock between the column and the module. This objective is attained by providing the upper end of each column and the lower surface of each module with mating portions of greater cross-sectional area than that of the connecting means of the column. The mutually engaged parts of the shear lock are metal and anchored to the appropriate component reinforcement and, additionally, such parts are formed with edge portions operable to wedge the column laterally, as it approaches its seated position,'until the portions of the shear lock are mated.

Another objective of the invention is to provide beam modules whose beam portions have lengthwise shoulders for the support of floor structure that may be preformed, reinforced concrete slabs.

Another objective of the invention is to provide beam modules, columns, and intermediate beam members that enable preformed, reinforced concrete wall panels, both for exterior and interior uses, to be quickly and securely attached, an objective attained by providing the faces of each column that are to be interconnected by a wall with vertical channels to receive the margins of a wall panel thus enabling a wall panel to be lowered and seated against subjacent beam structure with its margins held by the columns. The lower surfaces of the beam portions of the module and of the intermediate beam members have channels to receive the upper edges of the panels when the next beam course is assembled.

A further objective of the invention is to provide the channels of the columns and the channel-entering margins of the panels with metal linings to be welded together to provide tight joints and, preferably such linings are secured to the reinforcement of the component to which they are attached thus to interconnect such reinforcements.

ln the accompanying drawings, there are shown embodiments of the invention illustrative of these and other of its objectives, novel features and advantages.

In the drawings:

FlG. 1 is a somewhat schematic plan view of a portion of the frame of a building in accordance with the invention;

FlG. 2 is a side view ofa column;

FIG. 3 is a view of the column as seen from its upper end;

FIG. 4 is a section through the upper end of the column taken approximately along the indicated lines 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. Sis a perspective view of the flanged socket that is embedded in the lower end of the column;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary vertical section through a beam module, the lower column in support thereof and the lower end of the upper column secured thereto;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view, on an increased scale, of the shear lock between the lower face of the beam module and the upper end ofa column; FIG. 8 is a section taken vertically through the flanged spacer incorporated in the beam modules to provide a vertical passage for the connector of a column and upper and lower plates;

FIG. 9 is a partly sectioned side view of the upper end of a column and of the beam module to which it is connected and of another column lowered into position, the beam module and the columns being in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary and partly sectioned view showing the connector between the upper column and the module completed by grouting;

FlG. 11 is an exploded view showing the lower plate of the spacer of the beam module and the upper end of the column providing, when engaged, the shear lock;

FlG. i2 is a fragmentary section on an increased scale, showing the shear lock,

P10. 13 is a top plan view ofa beam module;

FIG. 14 is an end view, on an increased scale, of one of the beam portions of the beam module;

FIG. 15 is-a side view of the module shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another beam portion end;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary side view showing the means by which an intermediate beam member is supported by a beam module portion;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary vertical section through an interior beam portion of assembled framework in accordance with the invention providing for the support of floor slabs and wall panels;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view of the beam portion and supported slabs;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an outside wall panel confined between two columns;

FIG. 21 is a vertical section through an exterior beam por tion of the framework shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an interior column;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary section taken transversely of a column and an outside wall panel in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a like view but with the panel being an inside wall; and

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary and partly sectioned view illustrating the interconnection of columns through a beam module in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 1, there is shown pan of a floor frame of a building with typical outer beam modules indicated generally at and 31 and an interior beam module indicated generally at 32, all being preformed, reinforced concrete modules. Each beam module 30 has aligned beam portions 30A and 30B and an in termediate beam portion 30C disposed at right angles to them. The beam module 31 has beam portions 31A and 31B disposed at right angles to each other and is for use in corner construction. The'interior beam module is shown as having beam portions 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D, each disposed at right angles to adjacent beam portions. It should be noted that the beam portions of each module are not necessarily of the same length. The beam modules are shown as so positioned that aligned beam portions of proximate modules are spaced apart and are shown as interconnected by intermediate, reinforced concrete beam members 33.

Each beam module, the beam module 30, for example, is supported at the upper end of a preformed and reinforced concrete column, generally indicated at 34 and having a metal connector 35 embedded in its upper end and provided with a flange 36 also embedded in the concrete to be flush therewith and secured to column reinforcements 37 as by welding. The flange 36 includes a raised, central portion 38 which is shown as square. The metal connector 36 may be tubular in which case it may be filled with concrete, for example. A socket 39 is embedded in the bottom end of the column 34 and includes a flange 40 anchored to column reinforcements 37 of the column but with its edges exposed. The lower end of the column 34 is bevelled as at 41 to the edges of the flange 40 and the socket 39 is shaped and dimensioned to receive the upper end portion of the connector 35 of a subjacent vertically aligned column, see FIG. 6.

Each beam module has a vertical passage centrally of the junction of its beam portions and dimensioned to receive the connector 35 of a column 34. The passage is shown as formed by a metal spacer 42 embedded in the concrete and provided with an upper end flange 43 and a lower end flange 44. As may best be seen in FIG. 8, the upper flange 43 has a rounded junction with the spacer 42 and its margins are flush with the surrounding concrete while the lower end flange 44 is provided with a marginal, depending frame 46, flush with the surrounding concrete and shaped and dimensioned to receive the central portion 38 of the socket flange within it when the beam module 30 is lowered to seat on the upper end of the column 34 to provide a shear lock. The spacer 42 is secured to the module reinforcement 47.

The connector 35 is shaped and dimensioned to fit in and extend through the spacer 42 with an end portion exposed that the socket 39 of the column 34 next to be installed will accommodate.

Before another column is lowered in place, the module fitted on a column is locked thereto while held level, the

locking being accomplished by means of a weld 48 between the spacer and the connector, the weld being in the annular recess defined by the junction 45. The next column is then lowered until it rests on the beam module 30 with the exposed end portion of the connector 35 of the subjacent column 34 entrant of its socket thereby to be centered and properly positioned. The thus positioned column is then anchored as by a weld 49 joining the socket flange 40 to the upper flange 43 of the spacer 42. The connection is then completed by grouting 50.

in the embodiment of the invention illustrated by FIGS. 9- 12, a preformed, reinforced concrete module 51 has vertical 7 passages extending therethrough provided by a spacer incorporated therein and secured to the reinforcements 52 thereof. The spacer consists of tubular metal members 53 joined by upper and lower header plates 54 and 55, respectively. The upper plate 54 is exposed in a recess 56 in the upper surface of the beam module and the lower plate is provided with a depending marginal frame 57 shown as rectangular and as terminating substantially flush with the lower surface of the module.

Columns 58 are each formed with a shoulder 59 at its upper end providing a rectangular end portion 60 shaped and dimensioned to fit within the marginal flange 57; The connector of each column 58 consists of a plurality of rods 61 extending through a spacer plate 62 seating on the end portion 60 with the lower rod ends embedded in the column and secured to reinforcements 63 and with their upper ends threaded to receive nuts 64. The rods 61 are dimensioned to extend through the tubular spacer members 53 thus to enable a beam module 51 'to be lowered in place with the plates 62 and 55 in engagement within the shear lock frame 57. The nuts 64 are then threaded on the rods 61 to lock the module and the subjacent column together. As will be apparent from FIG. 12, the margins of the plate 62 are rounded as is the junction of the frame 57 with the plate 54 and the bottom edge of the frame 57 is outwardly curved thus to provide a centering action as the shear lock frame 57 engages the plate 62.

The lower end of each column 58 has a plate 65 secured by the column reinforcements 63 with openings underlying sockets 66 which are located and dimensioned to receive the nuts 64 and the ends of the rods 61 when a column 58 is seated on the module 51 that is now incorporated in the framework. To facilitate the correct positioning of such a column 58, the spacer plate 54 has upstanding marginal guides 67. When the column 58 is properly seated in the recess 56 and against the plate 54, the plate 65 is connected to the plate 54 by a weld 68 and the recess 56 marginally of the thus attached column filled with grouting 69.

Turning now to FIGS. l3l7, there is shown a beam module 70 which may be identical to the beam modules 30 except that corresponding margins of its beam portions, in this case the beam portions 70A and 70B, are provided with marginal shoulders 71 for use in supporting floor structure.

The module 70 illustrates the manner of effecting the interconnection of beam portions and beam members 33 in accordance with the invention, the beam member shown in FIG. 17 having a marginal shoulder 72. At the outer beveled end of each beam portion there is a metal plate 73 secured to its reinforcements 74 and provided with a projecting lower, transverse shoulder 75 and a complemental internal shoulder 76 supported by a complemental concrete shoulder 77. I

The beveled ends of the beam members 33 are similarly provided with metal plates 78 secured 0 their reinforcements 79 and having outwardly projecting, transverse upper shoulders 80 and internal shoulders 81 supported by complemental concrete shoulders 82.

In use, when two proximate beam modules for the same floor are secured to subjacent columns, the proximate ends of aligned beam portions are spaced apart. A beam member 33 is then lowered into place with its shoulders 80 engaging and being supported by the shoulders 75 at the outer ends of the aligned beam portions. The abutting metal plates 73 and 78 are then welded together as at 84, see FIG. 1, and the space defined by the beveled ends is filled with grouting 85 to complete the interconnection of the aligned beam portions of beam modules incorporated in the framework.

In FIGS. 1822, interior and exterior wall constructions, desirably with preformed, reinforced concrete panels, are shown as incorporated in the framework in accordance with the invention. For this purpose, columns 85 and 86 are provided, see FIG. 20. These may be identical to the columns 34 or 57 except that they have vertically extending channels. The column 85 has oppositely disposed channels 85A and 8513 where an exterior wall panel 87 is to be placed in alignment with another such panel and a channel 85C where an interior wall panel 88, see FIGS. 18 and 21 is to be supported thereby. In the case of the column 86, the channels are indicated at 86A and 86B and are disposed at right angles for corner uses. The panel 87 is shown in FIG. simply as having windows but such panels may include doorways and projecting parts or other features.

An exterior beam module is indicated generally at 89 in FIGS. 18 and 21 and this may be identical to beam modules of the type just described except that all of its beam portions 89A, 89B, and 89C have marginal shoulders 90 in support of a reinforced concrete floor slab 91 which may be preformed. In practice, the slabs 91 are thicker than the depth of the shoulder 90 thereby to provide a channel 92, see FIG. 19, for the bottom edges of the wall panels. When the floor joint is field poured, the beam module portions would usually be flush at the shoulder line. The beam portions of the module 89 each may have a channel 93 extending lengthwise of its undersurface and dimensioned to receive the upper edge of a panel 87. As shown in FIG. 17, the intermediate beam members 33 are similarly shouldered as at 72 and also are formed with channels 94 extending from end to end of their undersurfaces and the beam modules 70 also have channels 93 extending lengthwise of the undersurface of their undersurfaces.

In practice, when columns have been secured in place and before the beam modules for the next level are set in place, each panel 87 is lowered between two columns with its ends entered into the proximate aligned channels thereof until it rests on the subjacent beam structure. Desirably, and as shown in FIG. 21, the upper surface of the beam module portions that form the outside framing have a lengthwise shoulder 95 externally of which the upper surface is downwardly and outwardly sloping to provide a sill portion 96. The lower edge of the panel 87 is shown as having a shoulder 97 mating with the shoulder 95. When the panels 87 of one floor have been seated, another course of beam modules and beam members may be attached with the upper edges of the panels 87 entrant of their downwardly opening channels.

It will be apparent that, since the channels in the columns and in the undersurfaee of the beam structure must freely accommodate the margins of the wall panels, both from inside and outside uses, sealing of the joints is necessary. It is preferred that such sealing means be those illustrated by FIGS. 23 and 24to ensure maximum strength.

In FIG. 23, an outside wall panel 100 has a U'shaped metal margin 101 secured to its reinforcements 102 and shaped and dimensioned to fit the metal U-shaped inserts or linings 103 in the channels, the channels 104 of the column 105, for example, and connected to its reinforcement 106. The edges of the inserts 103 terminate short of the edges of the metal panel margin 101 and both of these edges terminate within the channels 104 which is outwardly flared as at 104A. When a panel 100 is in position with overlying beam structure secured in place, the inserts 103 and 104 are joined by a weld 107 and the weld and all portions of the channels are then concealed by grouting 108.

In FIG. 24, an inside wall panel is indicated at 109 and is shown as having a U-shaped metal margin 110 secured to the panel reinforcement 111. The margin 110 is dimensioned to fit a U-shaped insert or lining 112 in the vertical groove 113 in an interior column 114, for example, and secured to the reinforcement 115 thereof. The edges of the insert 112 terminate short of the edges of the reinforcement 111 but outside the column 114 and are there joined by a weld 116.

If additional seals are provided, the welds 107 and 116 need not be continuous provided they are extensive enough to ensure an effective connection between the reinforcement of the panels with those of the columns and the overlying beam structure. 1

In FIG. 25, another embodiment of the invention is disclosed. Generally indicated columns 117 have beveled ends 118 with the upper end having a plate 119 and the lower end having a plate 120, both plates secured to the column reinforcement 121. The beam module, generally indicated at 122 has upper and lower plates 123 and 124, respectively, embedded therein and connected to the module reinforcement 125. With a beam module 122 lowered into a position seated on the upper end of a column 117 and with the plate 124 in centered contact with the plate 119, the plates 119 and 124 are joined by a weld 126 concealed by grouting 127. Another column 117 may then be placed on the upper surface of the beam module 122 with the plate in centered contact with the plate 123 and joined thereby by a weld 128 concealed by grouting 129. As the columns 117 and module 122 may be otherwise similar to the previously described columns and modules they will not be further described.

It will be understood that the cross-sectional shape of the columns, beam modules, and intermediate beam members may be varied as desired. The shear locks may be variously shaped as can the connectors of the type shown in the embodiment of the invention illustrated by FIGS. 29 but noncircular shapes therefor and for the shear locks are preferred.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that columns,

beam modules, and intermediate beam members in accordance with the invention are well adapted to meet a wide range of important requirements. Such components are as readily manufactured as any reinforced concrete member and reinforcement may be conventionally effected, the reinforcements shown being illustrative only. Since the components may be stacked flat, storage and transportation problems are minimal. At the building site, no new techniques are required as each component may be handled with existing equipment as readily as presently used components. As the framework progresses, floors and panels, preferably of the type disclosed, are added. The resulting framework has the reinforcements of its components effectively interconnected.

Iclaim:

1. A building frame including, between foundation and roof, preformed reinforced, concrete column modules, shear head modules including at least two beam portions, and beam modules, one beam module between the proximate beam portions of each two shear head modules, one shear head module between each two vertically aligned column modules, means interconnecting said modules to provide at least two levels, the length of each column module being equal to the space between the beam structure of the two levels, said beam por tions being of a length equaling approximately one-quarter of the space between the column modules, and each beam module being of a length equaling approximately one-half said space thereby to establish connecting zones at the point of minimum moment, the connecting means between the several modules including abutting metal plates connected to the reinforeements of the appropriate modules and welded together.

2. The building frame of claim 1 in which the means interconnecting a beam module to the subjacent column module includes a metal connector protruding from the upper end of the column module and secured to the reinforcement thereof, the shear head module has a metal passageway extending vertically therethrough and dimensioned to receive the connector as a sliding fit, and means attaching the connector to the upper plate of the beam module.

3. The building frame of claim 2 in which the metal passageway is a spacer of which the upper plate of the shear head module is a part and the attaching means is a weld joining the spacer and the connector.

4. The building frame of claim 2 in which the lower end of each column" module includes a metal socket secured to its reinforcement, the connector of the subja'cent column module is of sufficient length to have an end protruding above the upper plate of the shear head module, the socket at the lower end of the column module being dimensioned to ,snugly receive its protruding end of the connector as it is lowered into I position on the beam module.

5. The building frame of claim 1 in which the means interconnecting a beam module to the subjacent column module includes a plurality of connectors protruding from the upper end of the column module and secured to the reinforcement thereof, each connector is in the form of a metal rod with its upper end threaded, the shear head module has a plurality of metal tubes incorporated therein and establishing passageways extending vertically thercthrough, one passageway for each rod and dimensioned to receive said red as a sliding fit, the rods being dimensioned to extend through the tubes, nuts threaded on the rods and locking the upper plate of the shear head module thereto, and said upper plate includes marginal portions establishing an aligning seat into which the bottom plate of another column module may be fitted.

6. The building frame of claim 5 in which the lower end of each column module has sockets for the upper ends of the rods and the nuts thereon, and the'plate at said lower end has openings, each underlying a socket and dimensioned to receive a rod with a nut thereon.

7. The building frame of claim 1 and a shear lock between each shear head module and the upper end of the subjacent column model including metal portions with one connected to the shear head module reinforcement and one portion connected to the column module reinforcement.

8. The building frame of claim 7 in which the shear lock portion connected to the shear head module reinforcement is a socket in the undersurface thereof.

9. The building frame of claim I in which the end plates of the beam portions include supporting projections and the end platesof the beam modules including projections engageable therewith and supported thereby.

10. The building frame of claim 9 in which the projections of the end plates on the beam portions and of the end plates at both ends of each beam module are complcmental, transverse shoulders engageable as a beam module is lowered into alignment with two beam portions.

11. The building frame of claim 9 in which both ends of each beam module and the ends of the beam portions of each shear head module are beveled and the plates secured thereto are substantially of the same size as such beveled ends.

12. The building frame of claim 1 in which the beam portions of two shear head modules and the beam module supported thereby have marginal, aligned shoulders, and a floor slab marginally supported thereby.

13. The building frame of claim 1 in which the proximate faces of two proximate column modules have vertical chan nels, a preformed, reinforced concrete wall panel is marginally held by the channels of the column modules and rests on the subjacent beam structure established by two beam portions of the shear head modules that support said two column modules and the intermediate beam' module, and the beam portions and intermediate beam modules of the next above course having channels in their undersurfacc receiving the upper margin of the wall panel.

14. The building frame of claim 13 in which the panel has a U-shaped metal margin secured to its reinforcement along its edges that are to enter grooves, and the grooves of the column modules, beam portions of the shear head modules, and beam modules include U-shaped linings secured to their reinforcements, and welds joining the margins and linings.

15. The building frame of claim 14 in which the edges of the linings terminate short of the edges of the margins but externally of the grooves.

16.The building frame of claim 14 in which the edges of the linings terminate short of the edges of the margins but within the grooves andthe grooves include flaring outer portions exposing the edges of the lining. 

1. A building frame including, between foundation and roof, preformed reinforced, concrete column modules, shear head modules including at least two beam portions, and beam modules, one beam module between the proximate beam portions of each two shear head modules, one shear head module between each two vertically aligned column modules, means interconnecting said modules to provide at least two levels, the length of each column module being equal to the space between the beam structure of the two levels, said beam portions being of a length equaling approximately one-quarter of the space between the column modules, and each beam module being of a length equaling approximately one-half said space thereby to establish connecting zones at the point of minimum moment, the connecting means between the several modules including abutting metal plates connected to the reinforcements of the appropriate modules and welded together.
 2. The building frame of claim 1 in which the means interconnecting a beam module to the subjacent column module includes a metal connector protruding from the upper end of the column module and secured to the reinforcement thereof, the shear head module has a metal passageway extending vertically therethrough and dimensioned to receive the connector as a sliding fit, and means attaching the connector to the upper plate of the beam module.
 3. The building frame of claim 2 in which the metal passageway is a spacer of which the upper plate of the shear head module is a part and the attaching means is a weld joining the spacer and the connector.
 4. The building frame of claim 2 in which the lower end of each column module includes a metal socket secured to its reinforcement, the connector of the subjacent column module is of sufficient length to have an end protruding above the upper plate of the shear head module, the socket at the lower end of the column module being dimensioned to snugly receive its protruding end of the connector as it is lowered into position on the beam module.
 5. The building frame of claim 1 in which the means interconnecting a beam module to the subjacent column module includes a plurality of connectors protruding from the upper end of the column module and secured to the reinforcement thereof, each connector is in the form of a metal rod with its upper end threaded, the shear head module has a plurality of metal tubes incorporated therein and establishing passageways extending vertically therethrough, one passageway for each rod and dimensioned to receive said rod as a sliding fit, the rods being dimensioned to extend through the tubes, nuts threaded on the rods and locking the upper plate of the shear head module thereto, and said upper plate includes marginal portions establishing an aligning seat into which the bottom plate of another column module may be fitted.
 6. The building frame of claim 5 in which the lower end of each column module has sockets for the upper ends of the rods and the nuts thereon, and the plate at said lower end has openings, each underlying a socket and dimensioned to receive a rod with a nut thereon.
 7. The building frame of claim 1 and a shear lock between each shear head module and the upper end of the subjacent column model including metal portions with one connected to the shear head module reinforcement and one portion connected to the Column module reinforcement.
 8. The building frame of claim 7 in which the shear lock portion connected to the shear head module reinforcement is a socket in the undersurface thereof.
 9. The building frame of claim 1 in which the end plates of the beam portions include supporting projections and the end plates of the beam modules including projections engageable therewith and supported thereby.
 10. The building frame of claim 9 in which the projections of the end plates on the beam portions and of the end plates at both ends of each beam module are complemental, transverse shoulders engageable as a beam module is lowered into alignment with two beam portions.
 11. The building frame of claim 9 in which both ends of each beam module and the ends of the beam portions of each shear head module are beveled and the plates secured thereto are substantially of the same size as such beveled ends.
 12. The building frame of claim 1 in which the beam portions of two shear head modules and the beam module supported thereby have marginal, aligned shoulders, and a floor slab marginally supported thereby.
 13. The building frame of claim 1 in which the proximate faces of two proximate column modules have vertical channels, a preformed, reinforced concrete wall panel is marginally held by the channels of the column modules and rests on the subjacent beam structure established by two beam portions of the shear head modules that support said two column modules and the intermediate beam module, and the beam portions and intermediate beam modules of the next above course having channels in their undersurface receiving the upper margin of the wall panel.
 14. The building frame of claim 13 in which the panel has a U-shaped metal margin secured to its reinforcement along its edges that are to enter grooves, and the grooves of the column modules, beam portions of the shear head modules, and beam modules include U-shaped linings secured to their reinforcements, and welds joining the margins and linings.
 15. The building frame of claim 14 in which the edges of the linings terminate short of the edges of the margins but externally of the grooves.
 16. The building frame of claim 14 in which the edges of the linings terminate short of the edges of the margins but within the grooves and the grooves include flaring outer portions exposing the edges of the lining. 